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    The Ngorongoro Highlands & The Great Rift Valley Trek

    The Ngorongoro Highlands & The Great Rift Valley Trek

    For travelers searching for a journey that feels raw, real, and entirely disconnected from the noise of modern life, this is it. This is one of the most remarkable and untouched routes in Northern Tanzania. A journey through the Ngorongoro Highlands is not just a safari. It is a slow immersion into ancient landscapes, wild beauty, rich Maasai culture, and raw, unspoiled nature.


    This is a perfect choice for those seeking pure adventure, breathtaking vistas, wildlife encounters, and the rare chance to disconnect completely from the world. Every step you take connects you deeper with Africa’s great outdoors, from lush volcanic craters to the remote valleys of the Great Rift.

    Detailed Itinerary for The Ngorongoro Highlands & The Great Rift Valley Trek

    1
    Day
    Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) - Transfer to Arusha

    Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Tazama guide and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha.

    After your long journey, today is all about rest and recovery. Enjoy the comforts of a peaceful lodge surrounded by nature, where you can refresh, relax, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

    2
    Day
    Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive - Camp at Nainokanoka

    After breakfast, depart Arusha and head to one of the most famous natural wonders in Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater. This is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, descending over 600 meters below the highlands.

    Enjoy a full day of game driving through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to black rhinos, lions, elephants, and large herds of buffalo and wildebeest.

    After your safari, ascend back to the crater rim and continue to Nainokanoka village, a highland campsite nestled beneath Olmoti Crater. Here, you will camp with panoramic views over the Highlands.

    Note

    Altitude: 2,800 meters

    Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
    Nainokanoka Camp
    3
    Day
    Trek from Nainokanoka to Olmoti Crater - Transfer to Empakaai Crater

    Wake up to the cool, misty air of the Highlands. After breakfast, begin a short trek from Nainokanoka to the Olmoti Crater. This lesser-known crater rewards hikers with views of waterfalls cascading into the lush caldera below and wide-open highland scenery dotted with Maasai bomas.

    Return to Nainokanoka for lunch before driving through scenic highlands to Empakaai Crater, where your next campsite awaits at the crater's rim.

    In the afternoon, hike down into Empakaai's emerald green depths. At the bottom, discover its alkaline lake, often dotted with flamingos and other birdlife.

    Return to camp on the rim for the night. Expect one of the most peaceful nights, surrounded only by nature's sounds.

    Distance

    8-10 km

    Note

    Altitude at camp: Approx. 2,700 meters

    Empakaai Crater Rim Camp
    4
    Day
    Empakaai Crater to Acacia Camp via Naiyobi Village

    Today's trek takes you along the edge of Empakaai's dramatic rim, offering sweeping views across the Great Rift Valley below and even as far as Kenya's Mount Meru on a clear day.

    Continue through traditional Maasai lands until you reach Naiyobi Village. Here, you will enjoy a packed lunch and a brief rest while witnessing authentic highland Maasai life untouched by tourism.

    In the afternoon, continue your journey with a short walk to the tranquil Acacia Campsite, nestled beneath the shade of ancient acacia trees.

    Distance

    12-15 km

    Note

    Altitude: Descending gradually towards 1,900 meters

    Acacia Camp
    5
    Day
    Trek to the Rift Valley - Transfer to Lake Natron

    An early start today for one of the most breathtaking walks of the journey. Descend through golden grasslands and scattered acacia groves down the steep Rift Valley escarpment. The views are simply unforgettable, stretching across endless volcanic plains towards Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai, the sacred Maasai Mountain of God.

    At the base, your vehicle will meet you and transfer you to the serene Lake Natron Camp. After days of trekking, this is your place to relax fully—cool off in the natural spring pools, enjoy a massage, or simply take in the wild beauty around you.

    Activities here include hikes to dramatic waterfalls, flamingo walks on the shores of Lake Natron, and visiting ancient hominid footprints, estimated to be over 100,000 years old.

    Distance

    10-12 km

    Note

    Altitude: Descend from 1,900 meters to approx. 600 meters

    Lake Natron Camp
    6
    Day
    Lake Natron to Arusha / Optional Maasai Village Stay

    Today, you can either return to Arusha, marking the end of this once-in-a-lifetime journey, or choose to extend your stay with a visit to a nearby Maasai community for a deeper cultural experience.

    Transfer time

    Approx. 6-7 hours

    Note

    Drive time back to Arusha: Approx. 6-7 hours

    Why Choose This Route with Tazama?


    • Experience one of the most untouched and scenic trekking routes in East Africa.
    • Led by expert local guides who know the landscapes, wildlife, and culture intimately.
    • High standards of safety, comfort, and sustainability throughout the trip.
    • Unique campsites in remote locations few travelers ever see.
    • The perfect combination of trekking, wildlife, culture, and relaxation.

    This journey through the Ngorongoro Highlands is designed for those who want more than just a holiday. It’s for those who seek reconnection—with nature, with culture, and with themselves.
    If this sounds like your kind of adventure, reach out to us. We are ready to make it happen.

    Ngorongoro Highlands & The Great Rift Valley Trek

    Price per person

    Cost Includes
    • Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha and return)
    • All accommodations as per the itinerary (lodges, campsites, Lake Natron Camp)
    • All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
    • Drinking water during trekking days
    • Private 4x4 safari vehicle and professional driver-guide
    • All park entry fees, camping fees, conservation fees (Ngorongoro, Empakaai, Natron)
    • Maasai village fees and cultural contributions
    • Dedicated trekking crew (guide, cook, porters where needed)
    • High-quality tents, mattresses, Sleeping bags, dining tent, and camping equipment
    • Walking safaris and crater hikes (Olmoti, Empakaai, etc.)
    Cost Excludes
    • International flights to/from Tanzania
    • Visa fees for Tanzania
    • Personal hiking gear (boots, daypack, etc.)
    • Alcoholic drinks
    • Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
    • Laundry services at lodges (available at extra cost)
    • Gratuities for guides, drivers, and trekking crew
    • Additional nights accommodation before/after the trip (unless arranged with us)

    Preparing for Your Journey

    Recommended packing includes waterproof hiking boots, durable hiking pants, a waterproof jacket, gloves, gaiters, thick socks, and long-sleeved tops to prepare for varying trek conditions




    Ready to Adventure?

    Looking for a getaway where luxury meets nature? Relax in exclusive lodges, savor world-class cuisine, and experience the beauty of untouched landscapes with tailored comfort. Your next breathtaking escape awaits.

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